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Birthful

Adriana Lozadaredcircle.com

On Birthful, working doula and former journalist Adriana Lozada talks pregnancy, birth and postpartum with top experts and new parents. Every episode distills the overload of pregnancy information down to the most relevant and useful stuff. Adriana Lozada is a mom, author, speaker, birth doula, postpartum educator, and healthy-sleep consultant. Visit Birthful.com. Please note: Adriana has years of experience but she's not a doctor, and does not expect anyone to treat the show like medical advice. Please always consult with your care provider. This show does not dispense medical advice.

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Episodes

Why You Want to Do Lots of Skin-to-Skin With Your Baby

Adriana explains all the remarkable benefits of doing skin-to-skin with your baby—immediately after they’re born and through the first months of life—and how such a simple practice can bring your whole family closer together. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! You can connect with Birthful on Instagram @birthfulpodcast and email us at info@birthful.com . Follow us on Appl...

Nov 17, 202110 minEp. 323

[Birth Stories] How a Surprise Pregnancy After Infertility Led Her to A Successful VBAC

After an initial cesarean birth due to preeclampsia, IVF warrior Desirae Whittle knew it was paramount to gather a birth team that would truly encourage a vaginal birth. She shares with Adriana Lozada the many joyful moments during the long vaginal labor of her second child, and how her team enabled her informed decision-making at every step of the experience. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, ...

Nov 10, 202130 minEp. 322

Real Talk About Vaginal Tears and Episiotomies

Adriana Lozada explains why and how tearing can occur during birth, and why episiotomies are increasingly rare. Plus, what you can do to avoid tearing. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! You can connect with Birthful on Instagram @birthfulpodcast and email us at info@birthful.com . Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to podcasts. Su...

Nov 03, 20219 minEp. 321

Letting Go of "Mom Guilt"

Motherhood transition coach Stepha LaFond explains how parents can be weighed down by society’s expectations, and shares many ways for parents and parents-to-be to dismantle that “mom guilt.” Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview on helping fathers nav...

Oct 27, 202130 minEp. 320

[Birth Stories] How Her Preparation and Intuition Got Her Through the Homebirth of Her Twins

Yoga instructor Chelsea Morriss Croy shares how her belief in the strength of her own body allowed her to give birth to unexpected twins—at nearly 41 weeks! She tells Adriana Lozada how even through this unforeseen surprise, she leaned on her birth team and trusted the process. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their bir...

Oct 13, 202126 minEp. 319

Best of Birthful: Why Using Their Mouths Correctly Is Vital for Babies

Welcome to the Best of Birthful. Creator and host Adriana Lozada curated and edited each selection in this playlist of the show’s most popular episodes. It's a tailored introduction to the expansive catalog she amassed over the first five years of Birthful's 300+ shows. Michelle Emanuel, neonatal/pediatric occupational therapist and founder of the TummyTime!™ Method, demystifies why using their tongues and mouths properly is so important in newborn babies. She links it to overall health and offe...

Aug 04, 202130 minEp. 314

Best of Birthful: Tips to Advocate for Yourself During Birth

Welcome to the Best of Birthful. Creator and host Adriana Lozada curated and edited each selection in this playlist of the show’s most popular episodes. It's a tailored introduction to the expansive catalog she amassed over the first five years of Birthful's 300+ shows. Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, raises awareness about what she coined as “obstetric violence” and advocates for human rights and informed consent in perinatal care. She talks about how to protect your rights as a pr...

Jul 21, 202129 minEp. 313

[Birth Stories] How This Doula Exercised Informed Consent Throughout a Long Birth

Despite the many course-corrections during the birth of her third child, Amy Silva did not lose sight of her right to choose during each step of her birthing process. She tells Adriana how her decision to refuse a pointless COVID swab during labor changed protocol in her local hospital system. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support oth...

Jun 09, 202130 minEp. 310

How to Stand Up for Your Birth Rights

One in six women experience mistreatment during childbirth. Birth-justice attorney Indra Lusero talks to Adriana Lozada about how to defend your and other pregnant people’s birth rights. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to this short episode on advocating for yours...

May 26, 202128 minEp. 308

How to Supplement Breastfeeding Your Baby

Adriana Lozada offers practical advice on how to make a mindful feeding plan that protects your milk supply and supports your long-term breastfeeding plans. If you liked this episode, listen to this episode about milk supply, or this interview about understanding your baby’s sugar levels. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! You can connect with Birthful on Instagram @birth...

May 19, 202110 minEp. 307

[Birth Stories] Her Rapid Birth Was Unpredictable, so She Went Along for the Ride

Dana Saccomano did not expect her second birth to be what’s medically called “precipitous.” Even though it was so fast, she later realized how much all her practice and preparation paid off. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview about knowing when to b...

May 12, 202125 minEp. 306

Straight Talk about the Effects of Electronic Fetal Monitoring on You and Your Baby

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring, or EFM, can have a negative impact on your birth experience. Adriana Lozada explains how. And what you can ask care providers for to alleviate the complications it can cause. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview on building a collaborative relationship with your care provider, or this short episode on what not to worry about during birth. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even mo...

May 05, 202112 minEp. 305

Why Employers Need to Value Your Parenting Skills

Caregiving gives parents unmatched skills, and TendLab CEO Amy Henderson tells Adriana Lozada why it’s crucial to support them in bringing all that valuable knowledge and experience to the workplace. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to this episode on how to naviga...

Apr 28, 202124 minEp. 304

[Birth Stories] Why a Birth Team Was Key in Overcoming Her Fears

Kristina Colangelo visualized a flowing birth, but the reality caught her by surprise. Fortunately, her dad, mom, doula, and midwife supported her through a long labor due to a posterior baby, prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum, and the fear of tearing. She tells Adriana Lozada how her team made meeting her baby the most interconnected experience. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resou...

Apr 14, 202127 minEp. 302

How to Know if Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Adriana Lozada goes through simple ways to measure how much you’re producing while nursing, and shares useful facts that lead to successful breastfeeding. If you liked this episode, listen to this episode all about what to expect when breastfeeding, and this story about how to overcome breastfeeding problems. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! You can connect with Birthfu...

Apr 07, 202110 minEp. 301

What Actually Happens After Giving Birth, Physically and Emotionally

Ob-gyn Dr. Meedlen Charles walks us through the common changes you can expect –physically and mentally– during the postpartum period. She and Adriana Lozada break down which symptoms are red flags to discuss with your care provider. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen...

Mar 31, 202126 minEp. 300

Why Your Due Date Is Also an Intervention

Your baby will arrive at the right time, regardless of your due date. Adriana Lozada explains how due dates are influenced by factors out of your control, and why you shouldn’t worry too much about them. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview with more information about due dates. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! You can connect with Birthful on Instagram @...

Mar 24, 20219 minEp. 299

How You Can Balance the Mental Load

Parents, particularly mothers, and especially during the pandemic, are under extreme psychological pressure. Adriana Lozada gives you a host of helpful tips to protect your mental health and ensure a more fair work balance among parenting partners. If you liked this episode, listen to this episode about navigating identity shifts, and this episode about entering fatherhood. Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, ...

Mar 10, 20218 minEp. 297

How to Avoid a ‘Cascade of Interventions’

OBGYN Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins breaks down the leading causes of what’s usually called a cascade of labor interventions—like an induction leading to a cesarean. She and Adriana Lozada offer insight into the risks and benefits of interventions, and help inform your decision-making during birth. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support ...

Mar 03, 202126 minEp. 296

[Birth Stories] 5-Day Induction Makes for a Very Confusing and Grueling Birth

Myra Flynn set out to have as few interventions as possible during the birth of her daughter. She tells Adriana Lozada what it was like to stand up for herself--and adapt to the circumstances--during her five days in labor. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to this ...

Feb 17, 202128 minEp. 294

How Your Nervous System Impacts Your Pregnancy and Birth

High-risk pregnancy and somatic trauma specialist Parijat Deshpande talks with Adriana Lozada about the importance of connecting with your body to release trauma, increase resiliency, improve pregnancy and birth outcomes, and get out of survival mode so you can truly start thriving. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on thei...

Feb 03, 202125 minEp. 292

Nine Things to NOT Worry about During Birth

Adriana Lozada dispels nine common worries of expectant parents, and explains why you can just let them go. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview about the pushing stage, and this episode about protecting your perineum. You can connect with us on Instagram @birthfulpodcast and email us at podcast@birthful.com . Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, and news from Adriana and her guests! Support this...

Jan 27, 20218 minEp. 291

[Birth Stories] Why She Pushed for the Unmedicated Birth of Her Breech Twins

Emma Parnell was adamant about planning a vaginal birth for her second pregnancy, even though she was having twins—and they were both breech. She tells Adriana Lozada about the strength she gained from her own body’s intuition. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their birth journeys. If you liked this episode, listen to t...

Jan 20, 202127 minEp. 290

How Long Should You Wait to Clamp the Cord?

Adriana Lozada shares facts about the magnificent protective and self-clamping abilities of the umbilical cord. She also explains why there’s still disagreement in the medical field about how long to wait. To learn even more, listen to this interview all about delayed cord clamping. You can connect with us on Instagram @birthfulpodcast and email us at podcast@birthful.com . Download Birthful's Postpartum Plan FREE when you sign up for our weekly newsletter ! Don't miss even more tips, insights, ...

Jan 13, 20219 minEp. 289

Best of Birthful: How to Navigate the Identity Shift of Becoming a Mom

Welcome to the Best of Birthful. Creator and host Adriana Lozada curated and edited each selection in this playlist of the show’s most popular episodes. It's a tailored introduction to the expansive catalog she amassed over the first five years of Birthful's 300+ shows. Psychotherapist Sophie McEntee, is dedicated to supporting new parents through the early transitional and utterly transformational start of parenthood. She helps you navigate both the beautiful and messy aspects of becoming a par...

Dec 30, 202030 minEp. 287

Let’s Tackle Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Adriana Lozada shares facts about the prevalence of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, or PMADs.And she encourages us to acknowledge the combined mental health impact of postpartum experiences during Covid. Plus suggestions on the signs to look out for. If you liked this episode, listen to this one on childbirth PTSD and this one on grief during and after pregnancy. You can connect with Birthful on Instagram @birthfulpodcast and email us at podcast@birthful.com . Be sure to subscribe on Appl...

Dec 16, 202011 minEp. 285

[Birth Stories] Lessons from a Life Coach Who Faced Postpartum Depression Three Times

Author, life coach, and plus-size model Rosie Mercado experienced postpartum depression with three of her four children, in addition to other personal and physical challenges. She tells Adriana Lozada how she learned to listen to her body, to ask for help, and to admire her own strength. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on...

Dec 09, 202025 minEp. 284

Lessons in Decolonizing Parenting

Parenting facilitator Leslie Arreola-Hillenbrand talks to Adriana Lozada about starting Latinx Parenting to help families decolonize oppressive parenting practices and jettison cultural discipline techniques their parents used—that many say they’d never use on their own children. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform your intuition and support others on their b...

Nov 25, 202030 minEp. 282

A Quick Guide to Triage

Adriana Lozada explains the process of triage, which happens before you’re admitted to the hospital to give birth. She covers it all, from the steps to confirm you’re in labor, to potential inconveniences and discomfort, to concrete ways to advocate for yourself and your birth plan from the moment you step into the hospital. If you liked this episode, listen to this interview on knowing what you’re up against when giving birth in a hospital, and this episode with insider tips from a labor and de...

Nov 18, 202010 minEp. 281

[Birth Stories] How He Prepared to Give Birth

Trystan Reese assembled a birth team that included his partner, dad, mother-in-law, and the head nurse at the hospital to ensure his birth experience as a trans man was exactly what he wanted. He tells Adriana Lozada how communicating what he expected from each of them made all the difference as he welcomed his son Leo. Listen through to the end for Adriana’s “Two Things to Do: One for You, One for the Rest of Us.” Every week, she selects actions, books, and other resources to further inform you...

Nov 11, 202031 minEp. 280
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